Tongan King appoints brother as Crown Prince

Tonga's new king has appointed his younger brother as the Crown Prince and heir to the throne, according to press reports from Tonga.

Matangi Tonga Online reported that King Siaosi Tupou V made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, a former prime minister of Tonga, took the traditional title of Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka at a formal ceremony at his residence on Tongatapu, the kingdom's main island.

The king's private secretary, nobleman Hon. Ma'afu Tuku'i'aulahi, read out the declaration of the appointment of the new Crown Prince that bestowed on him the noble title Tupouto'a.

AP press agency reported that the appointment resolves the future of the monarchy on the island, as King Tupou V is unmarried and has one daughter but no male heirs.

Matangi Tonga Online reported that the historic event was "probably the first time that so many titles have been bestowed upon one family in one day".

Prince Lavaka, 47, surrendered the traditional titles of 'Ulakalala and Ata, which immediately were bestowed on his two sons.

The independent Matangi Tonga website described the event as historic for Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, his wife Princess Nanasipau'u, and their young family, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka, 22, Prince 'Ulukalala, 21, and Prince Ata, 18.

The changes came 18 days after late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV died in hospital in New Zealand following a long illness.

Tonga's new king, a wealthy businessman prior to ascending the throne, said earlier he would sell his business interests in the South Pacific nation - a move widely applauded by his new subjects.